Olympus PEN E-P3

“It’s certainly an attractive camera, and its blend of style and customizable options are an enthusiast’s dream, but while its video quality was excellent for a compact camera, its dynamic range and noise performance left something to be desired.”

We’ve added another Olympus PEN E-P3 [QuickPrice Check] review to our Reviews Matrix.

DigitalCameraInfo has published their review of the Olympus E-P3, a Digital Interchangeable Lens Compact System Camera with 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (614k-dot), Full HD Movie (1920×1080/60i) with stereo sound, Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, AF Tracking, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, PASM modes, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 mins), Continuous Shooting at 5.5fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Live View Autofocus system with real time focus, Multiple Exposure, Wireless compatibility (using optional PP-1 Penpal or Eye-Fi card), and Art Filters.

You can read the Olympus E-P3 Review at: DigitalCameraInfo.

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Olympus E-PM1

Mini. The Olympus PEN Mini, also known as the E-PM1, is one of three PEN mirrorless DSLRs that Olympus announced together in June 2011. All three have the same image sensor and basically the same features: 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3x13mm Live MOS Image Sensor), Sensor-shift image stabilization, TruePic™ VI Image Processor, high ISO of 12,800, fast AF, Full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters and built-in creative features. The PEN Mini (E-PM1) stands last after the E-P3 and the PEN Lite (E-PL3); it more closely ressembles the E-PL3, minus the titltable LCD screen.

The E-PM1 has the Micro Four Thirds (mFT) mount and therefore accepts all mFT lenses, as well as Four Thirds (FT) lenses, OM lenses, some Leica lenses and lenses from other brands with the appropriate adapter. A Dust Reduction System ensures any dust that may have entered the camera when changing lenses are removed from the sensor.

A direct HD Movie button gives instant access to Full HD movie 1920×1080 pixels with Dolby stereo sound. The popular in-camera Art Filters apply to both still shots and video.

Exposure flexibility is available to more advanced photographers: Program AE (P), Aperture-Priority (A), Shutter-Priority (S) and full Manual (M) mode are all accessible directly on the Mode Dial. Advanced photographers will also appreciate available manual control over aperture and shutter speed while filming. The E-PM1 does not have a built-in pop-up flash but external flash FL-LM1 is included. This flash is compact, slides into the hotshoe. The E-PM1 also accepts a range of optional external flashes, with wireless flash control using the FL-36R and FL-50R speedlights. The use of off-camera flashes [as fill-in light] and synchronization in Super FP mode at a fast 1/125-1/4000 shutter speed allow the use of a large aperture in daylight [to obtain beautiful blurred backgrounds in portraits].

The E-PM1 includes a port for the detachable high resolution (1440k-dot) VF-2 live-finder which rotates up 90 degrees — useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The external accessory port also allows for connection with the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter for enhanced audio capture. For those into underwater photography, the new optional PT-EP05L underwater housing is waterproof to a depth of 45 meters (147 feet).

There are not too many differences between the three models as far as image quality is concerned or even features. The Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 will be most attractive to those moving from a tiny sensor digicam and want DSLR-level image quality. It comes in Black, Red, Silver and White (colors are country-dependent), and is priced at about US $700 (CAD $700) with the 14-42mm kit lens.

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Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3

NOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT THREE NEW OLYMPUS PEN CAMERAS BRING YOUR CREATIVE VISION TO LIFE

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 30, 2011 – Today Olympus launches three new PEN compact system cameras designed to help inspiration-seekers capture their unique visions and share their stories in brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video. The Olympus PEN family combines the portability of a point-and-shoot with features found on bulkier cameras or camcorders to deliver amazing image quality and lightning fast speed. With a new 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor, TruePic™ VI Image Processor, high ISO of 12,800, a reengineered autofocus system, full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters and built-in creative features, these powerfully simple cameras offer advanced capabilities without the complexity of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera.

In addition to these great shared capabilities, each new model offers unique features:

• PEN E-P3: Also announced today, the flagship Olympus PEN with a classic, all-metal design and the world’s fastest autofocus**. A body portable enough to travel the world without sacrificing DSLR image quality and control that experienced photographers expect. It features a bright, 614,000 pixel, high-resolution, OLED touchscreen to easily navigate and control the camera at the touch of a finger.
• PEN E-PL3: This powerful camera is perfect for photographers who want their memories to reflect incredible, professional image quality. Easy-to-use creative technologies are packed in its versatile body – the size of a small, portable point-and-shoot camera, but with the versatility of interchangeable lenses. A clever, tilting three-inch LCD empowers photographers to go head-and-shoulders above the crowd to capture graduations, easily stoop to eye-level as babies take their first steps or even lower to the ground to get an adorable shot of the family pet.
• PEN E-PM1: The smallest and lightest Olympus PEN is available in six stylish colours (purple, pink, brown, white, silver and black) and features a new and simplified user interface as well as a streamlined button structure for superior ease of use. Its small size and portability make it the ideal camera to document life’s fun and spontaneous moments.

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Olympus E-P3

Retro. The Olympus PEN E-P3 distinguishes itself from other compact mirrorless DSLRs with its distinctive and beautiful retro look. Even though it follows in the footsteps of the E-P1 and E-P2, the E-P3 includes features from the E-PLx models and adds much welcomed improvements: the world’s fastest single-AF for a 3x optical zoom lens, a built-in flash, a touchscreen OLED, AF-assist light, FUll HD movie and an interchangeable handgrip.

The Olympus E-P3 is one of three PEN mirrorless DSLRs that Olympus announced together in June 2011. All three have the same image sensor and basically the same features: 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3x13mm Live MOS Image Sensor), Sensor-shift image stabilization, TruePic™ VI Image Processor, high ISO of 12,800, fast AF, Full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters and built-in creative features. The PEN E-P3 stands at the top of the PEN models, above the PEN Lite (E-PL3) and the PEN Mini (E-PM1).

The E-P3 has the Micro Four Thirds (mFT) mount and therefore accepts all mFT lenses, as well as Four Thirds (FT) lenses, OM lenses, some Leica lenses and lenses from other brands with the appropriate adapter. A Dust Reduction System ensures any dust that may have entered the camera when changing lenses are removed from the sensor.

A direct HD Movie button gives instant access to Full HD movie 1920×1080 pixels with Dolby stereo sound. The popular in-camera Art Filters apply to both still shots and video.

Exposure flexibility is available to more advanced photographers: Program AE (P), Aperture-Priority (A), Shutter-Priority (S) and full Manual (M) mode are all accessible directly on the Mode Dial. Advanced photographers will also appreciate available manual control over aperture and shutter speed while filming. Of the three PEN models, only the E-P3 has a built-in pop-up flash. Like the others, it also has a hotshoe for attachment of an optional external flash. Available external speedlites include the FL-36R and FL-50R with wireless flash control. The use of off-camera flashes [as fill-in light] and synchronization in Super FP mode at a fast 1/125-1/4000 shutter speed allow the use of a large aperture in daylight [e.g., to obtain beautifully blurred backgrounds while using fill-in flash when taking portraits].

The E-P3 includes a port for the detachable high resolution (1440k-dot) VF-2 live-finder which rotates up 90 degrees — useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The external accessory port also allows for connection with the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter for enhanced audio capture. The handgrip is removable and Olympus includes a small one as standard and provides a larger one as an optional purchase for those with bigger hands. This also opens up the opportunity for independent designers to provide differently shaped and sized handgrips.

The compact mirrorless DSLR cameras have been welcomed with open arms by enthusiasts and the Olympus E-P3 is sure to figure among the very best, providing DSLR image quality and flexibility without the complexity or size. It comes in Black, Silver or White (colors are country-dependent), and is priced at about US $900 (CAD $900) with the 14-42mm kit lens.

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Olympus E-PL3

Lite. The Olympus PEN Lite, also known as the E-PL3, is one of three PEN mirrorless DSLRs that Olympus announced together in June 2011. All three have the same image sensor and basically the same features: 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3x13mm Live MOS Image Sensor), Sensor-shift image stabilization, TruePic™ VI Image Processor, high ISO of 12,800, fast AF, Full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters and built-in creative features. The PEN Lite (E-PL3) stands in the middle between the E-P3 and the PEN Mini (E-PM1) and differs from them mainly by having a titltable LCD screen.

The E-PL3 has the Micro Four Thirds (mFT) mount and therefore accepts all mFT lenses, as well as Four Thirds (FT) lenses, OM lenses, some Leica lenses and lenses from other brands with the appropriate adapter. A Dust Reduction System ensures any dust that may have entered the camera when changing lenses are removed from the sensor.

A direct HD Movie button gives instant access to Full HD movie 1920×1080 pixels with Dolby stereo sound. The popular in-camera Art Filters apply to both still shots and video.

Exposure flexibility is available to more advanced photographers: Program AE (P), Aperture-Priority (A), Shutter-Priority (S) and full Manual (M) mode are all accessible directly on the Mode Dial. Advanced photographers will also appreciate available manual control over aperture and shutter speed while filming. The E-PL3 does not have a built-in pop-up flash but external flash FL-LM1 is included. This flash is compact, slides into the hotshoe. The E-PL3 also accepts a range of optional external flashes, with wireless flash control using the FL-36R and FL-50R speedlights. The use of off-camera flashes [as fill-in light] and synchronization in Super FP mode at a fast 1/125-1/4000 shutter speed allow the use of a large aperture in daylight [to obtain beautiful blurred backgrounds in portraits].

The E-PL3 includes a port for the detachable high resolution (1440k-dot) VF-2 live-finder which rotates up 90 degrees — useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The external accessory port also allows for connection with the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter for enhanced audio capture. For those into underwater photography, the new optional PT-EP05L underwater housing is waterproof to a depth of 45 meters (147 feet).

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 is principally targeted to those wanting to learn photography without the encumbrance of a traditional DSLR. However, if you compare the differences between the E-PL3 and its bigger brother E-P3, you’ll notice that the main differences are not deal-breakers. In fact, I suspect that many advanced photographers will be tempted by its more compact form and its tiltable LCD. The E-PL3 comes in Black, Red, Silver and White (colors are country-dependent), and is priced at about US $700 (CAD $700) with the 14-42mm kit lens.

Read our Olympus E-PL3 Review…

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Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0 lens (24mm equivalent)

NEW OLYMPUS® MICRO FOUR THIRDS® LENSES AND ACCESSORIES UNLEASH CREATIVE POWER OF THE PEN FAMILY

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 30, 2011 – Two powerful, fast new prime lenses and two new accessories maximize the performance of the Olympus PEN® E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1 compact system cameras, also announced today, to help photographers capture their unique visions of the world. The M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0 lens (24mm equivalent) and M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8 lens (90mm equivalent) are Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) and feature high-speed, near-silent autofocus during still shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture. Joining them is the sleek, versatile FL-300R Compact Flash and the MCG-2 interchangeable Camera Grip available exclusively for the PEN E-P3.

The powerfully simple and growing Olympus PEN MICRO Four Thirds family now features eight fully-compatible MICRO Four Thirds lenses. The legendary Olympus Zuiko® Digital Four Thirds range of 27 high-quality lenses, OM-series and other manufacturers’ lenses can be attached to Olympus PEN cameras with optional adapters.

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Olympus XZ-1

“If you’re in the market for a pocket camera capable of producing decent image quality then you owe it to yourself to [...] look at the Olympus XZ-1.”

We’ve added a new Olympus XZ-1 [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

Luminous Landscape has posted their review of the Olympus XZ-1 with 10MP resolution (on a 1/1.63-in. CCD sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, an iZuiko F1.8-2.5 fixed lens, 4x optical zoom (28-112mm equiv.), 3.0-in. OLED monitor (610k-dots), full manual controls, six Art Filters, and HD 720p Movie.

You can read the Olympus XZ-1 Review at: Luminous Landscape.

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Olympus TG-310

“While image quality certainly isn’t bad, we do have some reservations over inconsistent AF performance and the camera’s overly small and stiff controls. Ultimately though, the TG-310 remains worthy of consideration if you’re looking for a ruggedised camera on a budget. Score:7/10”

We’ve just added another Olympus TG-310 [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

Trusted Reviews has published their review of the Olympus TG-310, an ultra compact perfect for those with an active lifestyle and featuring 14MP resolution (on a 1/2.3-in. CCD), 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equiv.), Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, 2.7-in. LCD (230k-dot), Intelligent AUTO (iAUTO), Program AE, Scene Modes, Magic Filter, 3D Photos, Histogram, Eye-Fi compatibility, and One-Touch HD 720p Movie 1280×720 @ 30fps.

You can read the Olympus TG-310 review at: Trusted Reviews.

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